Riding safe, riding smart

July 26, 2008

For those who grew up riding bikes in the suburban idyll of a cul-de-sac, taking to the busy streets of Chicago can be daunting. There were 6,000 crashes between bikes and motor vehicles from 2001 to 2005, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation. Thirty bicyclists were killed.

So we called on Rob Sadowsky and Margo O'Hara of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation to offer advice on safe biking.

*First: Buy a helmet. Make sure it fits.

*Second: Make sure your bike is the right size for you. Your leg should be slightly bent at the knee when it's on the pedal at its lowest position.

*Third: Do a quick check of the bike. When the tires are properly inflated, they should be as hard as a stick of frozen butter. Test the brakes. Check to make sure the chains move easily.

That's for starters.

It's a good idea to have a route planned so you don't wind up on an overly busy street. Go where you feel comfortable. Be aware that even experienced cyclists avoid heavily trafficked arteries like Ashland and Western Avenues.

Follow all the traffic signals. Ride with auto traffic, not against it. Stop at stop signs and red lights. That's the law, even for bikes.

Stay a couple of feet away from cars parked on the side of the street. Keeping a bit of distance prevents you from being sandwiched between a passing vehicle and cars parked on the side of the street.

Want to hit the lakefront trail in Chicago? A popular but crowded choice. You'll share the path with in-line skaters, walkers and runners. Unless there's a stop sign indicating otherwise, you have the right of way at most major intersections along the trail. But it's still a good idea to slow down and look both ways as you approach in case a car, truck or bus driver hasn't seen you.

If you hear someone say, "On your left," stay to the right and allow him or her to pass. Offer fair warning when you're about to pass someone. Don't ride too fast or too aggressively.If you're riding at night, make sure you have lights on your bike and helmet. Don't wear all black. Consider buying a lightweight, reflective vest. The easier you are to see, the less likely you are to be hit.

A last bit of advice from the experts: Remember that you're sharing the road. The smarter you ride, the safer you'll be.